Kindred and Waterhouse Knock in Six Runners as Eagles Best Bears 11-2

KEOTA—On May 29, the Keota Eagles hosted their home opener against the English Valleys Bears. Seniors Cole Kindred and Tanner Waterhouse tallied six RBIs, as the Eagles downed the Bears 11-2.

Kindred finished his day two for four with a single and double, while Waterhouse finished two for three with a single and double.

Senior Cole Kindred spoke on his day hitting with, “I think the first at-bat I struck-out or popped-out. I started to get rhythm going and started to hit the ball.”

Tanner Waterhouse talked about his day at the plate with, “The pitches weren’t going very fast, so I had to get my timing right. I haven’t been hitting the ball the best all year, so this definitely perked up my confidence.”

The Eagles took advantage on the basepath to get players in scoring positions. They totaled 11 total bases, with Kindred, Waterhouse, Evan Vittetoe and Chase Sieren each securing two stolen bases apiece.

Cole Kindred described the team’s ability to steal bases with ease as, “Just watching the pitcher, see how long he pauses then go.”

Keota Head Coach Austin Waterhouse secured his first home victory as the coach of his alma mater. He spoke on the experience with, “Feels great. It started off a little tough, once we got bats going it was a lot better.”

The Eagles threw out some young arms in their home opener with eight graded Blake Baker getting the start. Baker went five innings with two earned runs on one hit and five punch-outs. Sophomore Jacob Libe came in relief two innings pitched, no earned runs on two hits and three strikeouts.

Coach Waterhouse spoke on the night from his young pitchers with, “I loved it. They threw a lot of strikes and I loved it. I just want them to throw strikes and let our defense do the work.”

“Make the correct play. If you make an error making the correct play I won't be upset. Just try to make the right play,” explained Coach Waterhouse on what he has emphasized to his team to start the season.

The Keota Eagles push to 2-3 on the season, and will return to action on May 31, when they visit the Montezuma Braves.

The English Valleys Bears fall to 0-3 on the season, and will return to action on May 31, when they visit the Sigourney Savages for a make-up game.